Investigation of alleged incidents in childcare centres

Background

Victoria Police are investigating a number of alleged sexual assaults linked to an employee who worked at a number of childcare centres across Melbourne.

The alleged offender has been arrested and charged by police and is in custody. The offences charged are alleged to have occurred at Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre, Point Cook.

As part of this ongoing matter, investigators are also examining evidence of an allegation of offending at a second childcare centre in Essendon, which is being investigated as a priority. A comprehensive investigation is ongoing. The allegations have not been proved.

The manner of the alleged offending means some children may be recommended for screening for infectious diseases. The Victorian Department of Health, in partnership with Victoria Police, is directly contacting families who may have been affected with further information.

Out of an abundance of caution, we have also listed the childcare centres where the alleged offender worked and the timeframes he worked there, so families and carers can cross check for themselves.

We acknowledge how distressing this will be for all families involved and the impact it will have on the broader community. Everything possible is being done to provide the vital support now required.

A comprehensive response has been set up across government to support families who may have been affected, including a dedicated hotline, staffed by professionals.

A list of the childcare centres where the alleged offender worked is available in the table below.

Health advice

This is a complex and distressing matter, and our highest priority is the health and wellbeing of the children and families who may have been affected.

A public health response has been stood up, and wrap-around supports are available through a dedicated advice and support hotline.

The Victorian Department of Health, in partnership with Victoria Police, is directly contacting families who may have been affected with key information and is providing advice on testing for infectious diseases.

If your child attended one of the listed childcare centres

The Department of Health and Victoria Police have contacted families whose children attended the childcare centres at the same time that the alleged offender was employed.

This includes those who may have been exposed to an infectious disease, and may be recommended to undergo testing as a precaution.

Not every child who attended the childcare centres listed will be recommended for testing, as they won’t have been identified as having a potential exposure risk.

It is also possible that those recommended for testing have had no exposure. Symptoms of infectious diseases aren’t always obvious, which is why for those potentially exposed we’re recommending testing as a precaution.

Call the dedicated advice line on 1800 791 241 (open 7 days a week, 8 am to 9 pm weekdays and 8 am to 5 pm weekends) to discuss whether your child is recommended for testing and advice on where you can book a free test near you. If preferred, you can also book an appointment with a GP.

If you haven’t been contacted

Best endeavours have been made to contact all families who may have been affected via email, text and post.

If you haven’t been contacted by Victoria Police or received a direct notification from the Department of Health (via text, email or letter), it is likely that you or your child have not been identified as someone needing further public health information in relation to this matter.

However, we know there may be some families that we don’t have the most up to date information for, or they have moved homes.

Please check the list of centres below and contact the dedicated advice line on 1800 791 241 (open 7 days a week, 8 am to 9 pm weekdays and 8 am to 5 pm weekends) if you believe your child was at the centre at that time.

We acknowledge this matter may still be distressing for you and your families and encourage anyone with further health concerns to contact their GP.

There is information further below on available supports and advice on how to speak to young children about this incident available on the Better Health Channel.

If you are a staff member at one of the listed childcare centres

Testing is not currently recommended for staff members, however you can speak to your GP if you have any concerns about your health.

We acknowledge this matter may still be distressing for you and there are a range of available supports and counselling available to assist you.

Financial supports

Some families will be eligible for a payment of $5,000 to help with alternative care arrangements, loss of earnings, and other practical needs.

The Department of Health will let you know if you are eligible and explain how you can access the payment. You will need to provide identification documents and bank account details.

Further supports available

If you are concerned about your child in any way, or feel that you need support yourself, always seek professional advice. A good place to start is your family GP and your existing networks.

Sexual assault support services are available across Victoria for adults, children and young people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.

If you have experienced sexual assault and need help, please call:

• 1800 RESPECT who can provide you with support if you are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family and sexual violence.
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) on 1800 806 292 for support with an immediate crisis. SACL is a state-wide (Victoria), after-hours, confidential telephone service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault. SACL operates between 5pm to 9am on weeknights and throughout weekends and public holidays.
• Sexual Assault Services Victoria or SAS Vic is the is the peak body for sexual assault and harmful sexual behaviour services in Victoria. SAS Vic can help you find your local sexual assault service.

For resources about support for child sexual abuse, are available at the National Office for Child Safety, Bravehearts and the Kids Helpline.

For additional resources and information on trauma, sexual assault services please visit the DFFH web page.

Translations

Call the dedicated advice line on 1800 791 241 (open 7 days a week, 8 am to 9 pm weekdays and 8 am to– 5 pm weekends) and let them know if you need an interpreter.

Translated trauma reaction and recovery factsheets are available at the Better Health Channel.

Safety in early childhood education

The health, safety and wellbeing of children attending early childhood services is the highest priority.

All early childhood services in Victoria must comply with the Child Safe Standards, which require organisations involving children to have policies, procedures and practices to keep them safe.

Under the Education and Care Services National Law, it is the responsibility of Approved Providers to ensure services are maintaining a safe environment and quality care and learning.

Victoria’s Early Childhood Regulatory Authority conducts assessments against the standards, and investigations at early childhood education and care services, where there is reason to believe that offences have been, or are being, committed that pose a risk to the safety, health or wellbeing of any child at the service.

Raising concerns

Under the National Law, services must report matters including any serious incidents, allegations of abuse and any complaints alleging that a serious incident has occurred.

These matters are investigated by the Regulatory Authority.

You can contact your early childhood service manager directly or the Approved Provider if you're concerned about:

• the safety, health, or wellbeing of children
• staff behaviours and practices
• any other matter.

It's the service's responsibility to deal with all complaints in a positive, constructive and professional manner.

You can also make a complaint to the Regulatory Authority (QARD). All notifications are taken seriously and investigated. Reports can be made anonymously.

Anyone with concerns about the safety of children in early childhood services, should call the Regulatory Authority on 1300 307 415.

For more information visit: Making a complaint about an early childhood service.

Victims of crime resources

Victims of Crime Helpline

Victims Assistance Program

Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme

Victims Legal Service

Child and Youth Witness Service

Victims and Witness Assistance Service (Office of Public Prosecutions)

Childcare centres where alleged offender worked

The dedicated advice line on 1800 791 241 (open 7 days a week, 8 am to 9 pm weekdays and 8 am to 5 pm weekends) will be able to advise whether your child is recommended for testing.

Please note: This is an ongoing investigation. The childcare sites and dates listed below are subject to change and its recommended you check the site periodically for updates.